Victoria’s koalas in chronically poor health and population is half what was previously estimated
Summary
A new government report shows Victoria’s koala population is much smaller than previously thought and that many koalas are in poor health. Scientists found that almost half of the koalas they tested were so sick they had to be euthanized, highlighting serious health problems in parts of the state.Key Facts
- The report estimated about 217,000 koalas in Victoria in 2023 and 224,800 in 2024, about half of earlier estimates near 460,000.
- The lower numbers are due to new survey methods, not necessarily a population decline.
- Scientists checked the health of 68 koalas: 29 were euthanized due to poor health.
- Health issues include dental disease and a severe urinary infection called “wet bottom,” often from chlamydia.
- Poor health was more common in areas with high koala populations.
- The report was completed in June 2025 but was only released after a 12-month delay.
- Victoria’s environment minister announced $2.6 million for koala conservation, including habitat restoration and health research.
- The report warns some areas have low koala numbers and poor health, risking unnoticed local declines.
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